Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:35):
Welcome to Abides Daily Christian Meditations. I'm Tyler Boss. Today's
meditation is brought to you by our partners at Life Audio.
If you go to lifeaudio dot com you will find
dozens of other faith centered podcasts in their network. They've
got shows about prayer, Bible study, parenting, and more. Head
over to lifeaudio dot com now and remember you can
(00:57):
have full access to our meditations commercial free. Just text
Abide to two two four three three for twenty five
percent off. Now receive his piece as we meditate and
abide in Christ. Welcome to this Abide Meditation. I'm Tyler Boss.
(01:17):
Happy New Year. Let's start this year with God. The
new year is the perfect time to take a look
at your life. It's time to come to the Lord
seeking renewal and restoration. Let today be the day that
you come before the Lord, maybe for the first time,
(01:41):
or maybe the first time in a long time, or
maybe you've walked faithfully with the Lord and you want
to continue that in the new year. Psalm fifty one
to ten in the New International version says create in
me a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a steadfast
(02:05):
spirit within me. As you come before the Lord, take
a slow, deep breath, Straighten your shoulders and roll them
back slightly. Tilt your chin up toward the ceiling and
(02:33):
hold for a moment before bringing it down to your chest.
Feel the stretch and release any tension you might be carrying.
Take another deep breath. Consider if there is anything fighting
(02:58):
to take your attention away from the Lord. Acknowledge those distractions,
knowing you can come back to them in a few moments.
For now, ask God to help you focus on his
heart as you meditate on scripture today. The start of
(03:22):
a new year can be a time for renewal or
a time that highlights procrastination or failure from years past
to make the changes you wanted to make. If you
were to make a resolution this year, let it be
one of true cleansing and renewal. Before God, Gracious Heavenly Father,
(03:53):
I know that your mercies are new every morning, and
I am more keenly aware of that newness today as
I give thanks for new mercies over a new year.
I don't want to get caught up in the rat
race of resolutions that are likely to fail, but instead
I want to find renewal and cleansing in you. As
(04:16):
I start a new year and experience your kindness afresh.
Thank You for life and for the gift of another
year to know you more. Amen, take a moment to
let the posture of your body reflect to the posture
(04:36):
of your heart. Take a slow, deep breath, open your
hands in your lap as a sign to God that
you are open to receive true cleansing. Spending time in
(05:08):
God's word shines light into the dark places of your heart.
Has anything come to mind as something you need to
confess to God? Bring it before him now, knowing he
quickly forgives. Turning your heart and attention to God is
(05:43):
the best way you could start your year. You might
put off making resolutions, but don't put off the desire
to experience true cleansing and renewal before God. Listen again
to Psalm fifty one, verse ten in the New International version,
(06:08):
create in me a pure heart, o God, and renew
a steadfast spirit within me. Another translation reads, keep creating
in me a clean heart, Fill me with pure thoughts
and holy desires ready to please you. Listen once more,
(06:35):
this time ask God to draw your attention to a
certain word or phrase in the text. Keep creating in
me a clean heart. Fill me with pure thoughts and
holy desires, ready to please you. Did God bring anything
(06:59):
particular to your attention as you heard this text read
from two different translations? Why do you think God turned
your mind to that particular thing? Asking God to create
(07:44):
a new heart in you is calling on his character
as a creator. It is in his nature to make
something new in you, just as he did in the beginning.
Ponder what He might want to do in you. As
(08:33):
you think about God creating something new in you, turn
your attention to the Gospel of Matthew, which records the
words of Jesus in chapter six, verse thirty three from
the New International Version. This is what Jesus says, But
seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these
(08:58):
things will be given to you as well. The new
year is a fresh opportunity to reevaluate your priorities. Have
you made a list of resolutions. They may have been
health or fitness related, or perhaps you want to read
(09:19):
more books or watch less TV. But what about your
relationship with God? When the Kingdom of God in a
(09:59):
life of righteousness is your first priority, God will work
out the rest according to his purpose. How can you
prioritize your relationship with Him this year. Ephesians four twenty
(10:46):
one through thirty three says, since you have heard about
Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him,
throw off your old sinful nature and your former way
of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead,
let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. As you
(11:13):
step into a new year, let these words of Paul,
inspired by God, shape how you seek to live your
renewed life in Christ. Consider what you hope to change
from last year, and let the renewal of your spirit
shape your thoughts and added to it. As you seek
(12:06):
renewal in Christ this new year, the first step is
to throw off the things that are hindering your ability
to walk with God. Before pursuing renewal, consider examining your
life what needs to be thrown off in order for
(12:28):
you to embrace the newness of Christ this year. Letting
(13:02):
the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitude is an invitation
to allow God to invade the most intimate aspects of
your life. While others can hear your words and see
your actions, only you know your thoughts and attitude. Invite
(13:26):
God into your mind, surrendering your thoughts to Him. By
(14:01):
throwing off your old self and renewing your thoughts and
actions in Christ, you can pursue the fullness of your
new nature. For you or created to be like God,
truly righteous and holy. What is the one area that
(14:22):
your new nature can begin to be formed in the
likeness of Christ. Let the new year stir your affection
(14:59):
for Christ as you seek to throw off your old
sinful nature, find renewal in Christ restores you in accordance
to the renewal promised in His word. Let's pray, Lord Jesus,
(15:20):
thank you for this new year. I pray with the
Psalmist and ask that you would create in me a
pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. This
new year to be one where my focus is steadfastly
set on You help me to do so, not just
(15:43):
in these first few days and weeks, but all year long.
I'm excited to see what this year holds as I
walk faithfully with you in your name, I pray, Amen,
If you make a resolution, let it be to make
(16:07):
this new year one of renewal, as you seek first
the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Until next time,
may you abide in Christ.